A woman’s breasts may droop as a result of the natural effects of aging, heredity, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding or weight loss. A breast lift, also called a mastopexy, is performed to return youthful shape and lift to breasts that have sagged or lost volume and firmness.

What can a breast lift do for me?

Breast lifts rejuvenate the breasts by trimming excess skin and tightening supporting tissues to achieve an uplifted, youthful contour. After a mastopexy, the breasts are higher on the chest and firmer to the touch. Breast lifts can also reposition and reduce the size of the areola—the dark skin surrounding the nipple—which may have stretched or drooped.

Am I a good candidate for a breast lift?

The best candidates for breast lift are women whose breasts meet some or all of the following conditions

Breasts sag

Breasts have lost shape or volume

Breasts are flat, elongated, or pendulous (hanging)

Breast skin and/or areola is stretched

Nipples or areolas point downward

Nipples or areolas are located in the breast crease when breasts are unsupported

One breast is lower than the other

It is also very important that breast lift candidates:

Maintain a stable weight

Are generally healthy

Do not smoke

Discuss realistic goals with their plastic surgeon

Click on the questions to expand

Who should not consider a breast lift?

Women planning to have children are advised to postpone surgery, since pregnancy and nursing can counteract a breast lift’s effects by stretching the skin.

Mastopexy does not affect breast size or upper fullness. Women who desire larger, smaller or more rounded breasts may want to consider a breast augmentation or breast reduction either together with a breast lift or instead of a breast lift.

How is a mastopexy performed?

Mastopexy may be performed in a hospital, an outpatient surgery center or a surgeon’s office-based facility. It is usually done on an outpatient basis under general anesthesia, and lasts from 1 ½ to 3 ½ hours.

There are several types of incision methods that can be used when performing a breast lift. The technique Dr. Schuster chooses depends on the patient’s:

Breast size and shape

Degree of sagging

Size and position of the areolas/nipples

Amount of excess skin

Skin quality

And other factors.

The three most common incision types are two rings around the areola in a doughnut shape (small-incision mastopexy, generally only recommended for patients with small breasts and minimal sagging); around the areola and down to the breast crease in a lollipop shape; and the lollipop with an additional half-moon incision along the breast crease, in an anchor shape.

In all cases, breast lift surgery begins with administration of general anesthesia. Dr. Schuster makes the necessary incisions, and then he lifts and reshapes the breast tissue into its new, rejuvenated contour. Dr. Schuster moves the nipple and areola higher on the breast and removes extra skin around the perimeter if the areola is enlarged. Finally, he trims the excess breast skin that resulted from poor elasticity. Stitches layered deep throughout the breast tissue support the lifted breasts.

When the mastopexy is complete, the skin is closed with stitches, tissue adhesive and/or surgical tape. Some of the incisions are hidden in the breast crease. Others will be visible. All scars will mature with time.

What is the recovery from a breast lift like?

After surgery, the breasts are wrapped with gauze dressings, and you may need to wear an elastic bandage or a surgical bra. After a few days, this is replaced with a soft support bra.

The breasts will probably be bruised, swollen, and uncomfortable after surgery, but this will pass in a few days. Any numbness in the breasts and nipples should lessen as swelling subsides. Stitches are removed after one to two weeks, and many patients return to work then.

Will I like the results of my breast lift?

If you agreed on realistic goals with Dr. Schuster, you should be very satisfied with the look of your lifted breasts. You will be able to see the results of your mastopexy immediately after surgery, and you may become even more satisfied as swelling goes down and incision lines fade.

What are the risks of mastopexy?

Possible complications of a breast lift include:

Bleeding

Infection

Temporary or permanent numbness in the nipple or areola

Uneven positioning or shape of breasts or nipples

Widening of scars

Poor incision healing

Fluid buildup

Breast hardening

Damage or necrosis of breast tissues

Need for revision surgery

Dr. Schuster will discuss all the risks and benefits of a breast lift with you.